J. League to adopt two-stage format

The J. League will adopt a two-stage format with postseason play to determine the league champion starting in 2015, multiple sources said Tuesday.

The postseason will consist of each stage champion playing off against the runnerup from the other stage. The winners would then play off with the winner facing the team with the most combined points from both stages.

The adoption of a new system has been carried out with an eye toward reviving attendance as well as increasing revenues from broadcasting and sponsorships.

The J. League had a two-stage format that ran — with the exception of 1996 — from 1993 through 2004. In that format, the champions of each stage would meet over two legs to decide the league champion. The current single-stage format has been used since 2005.